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Skier Uses Video Of Himself Caught In Avalanche As Warning To Others

By Matt Kroschel

VAIL, Colo. (CBS4) - Professional skier Austin Porzak from Boulder took to his social media pages this week to warn other backcountry users of just how real the current avalanche danger is after he took video of himself caught inside a massive slide.

The close call happened in the East Vail Chutes, in East Vail. The large slide sent Porzak falling down the mountain, ultimately falling off a 50-foot cliff. He was able to deploy his avalanche airbag backpack system and was not hurt. Experts say he was extremely lucky.

"It was a near miss in East Vail, below tree-line, steep terrain, soft slab, loose snow, avalanche," David Dellamora with the Summit County Rescue Group said. "That gentleman is very fortunate that he didn't have problems related to trauma in terms of taking a ride in that fall."

Porzak described the ordeal and has a warning for other backcountry users about the importance of having the right gear:

"First of all in no way shape or form do I think being in a avalanche is cool or something to be proud of. It's scary and something that should be avoided at all costs, but part of being in the backcountry is being open and honest with others so that they can learn and continue to enjoy the wilderness as well. I wanted to post this recent video of an avalanche I was in so that first, you could see just how much snow slid and how quickly it moved, but also to remind everyone out there of the possibility of avalanches, even in zones you have been skiing since you were a kid or where other skiers are present. We need to continue the conversation and remind each other to stay vigilant out there. I hope this video can help you stay aware out there."

RELATED: Watch The Video & Read More From Porzak About The Ordeal

Right now avalanche danger is moderate, but with new snow in the forecast, avalanche experts say they expect that to be bumped up to considerable by Wednesday night.

First responders say they've had several close calls in the Vail area the last several weeks. As more snow begins to pile up on the old layers of snow they are worried there will be more human-triggered avalanches in the coming weeks.

LINK: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.

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